Delhi Diary

During a debate in the Lok Sabha, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy praised his former Cabinet colleague Lalu Prasad as a Shaksi dost, an apparent attempt to describe him as a distinguished friend.

Everybody thought Reddy referred to Lalu as a 'sexy friend'. This prompted Prasad, known for his quick repartees, to stand up and declare, ''I am not your sexy friend'', leaving the House in splits.

Though it was not immediately clear what exactly Reddy wanted to convey, most felt that he was trying to describe Prasad as a shaksiyat, Urdu for distinguished personality.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had his own take on the subject, reminding the Government that Lalu was not their friend.